No longer anonymoth!

In an effort to raise the public profile of a newly discovered moth on the threatened Denniston Plateau, Forest & Bird has run a naming competition with the winning name to be announced soon.

A competition is being run to chose a name for this new moth species

Over 85 people suggested a common and scientifi c name for the attractive, striped moth, which was found by entomologist Brian Patrick and his son Hamish during our three-day BioBlitz.

“We are thrilled at the response and the innovative names from people all over New Zealand and a few from overseas who are taking this unique opportunity,” says Brian. “One idea we like is to name the mothafter our Prime Minister. The thinking is that he may not destroy a moth that is named after him.”

The moth is one of four nationally threatened insects found during theBioBlitz, which took place in March. In total, Brian and his team discovered 77 species of insects, underscoring the diversity of life on the Denniston Plateau threatened by a coal mine.

Brian and Hamish will look over the suggestions and announce the winning name in the coming week.